Military Situation Update: Ukraine - April 6, 2025, 11:30 UTC
I. Major Developments & Air/Missile Activity
Aftermath of Overnight Combined Air Assault (Apr 5-6):
Targeting: Confirmed strikes in Kyiv, Cherkasy, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, Zhytomyr, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. Russian MoD claims specifically targeted a central Ukrainian artillery base and UAV production facilities, as well as airfield infrastructure and repair sites. Other RU sources claimed targeting of airbases (Starokostiantyniv, Ozerne, Uman) and additional locations (Pavlohrad, Zolotonosha, Boryspil, Obukhiv, etc.).
Weapons & Interceptions (UA AF Summary): 132 air targets tracked (9x Kh-101/55SM, 8x Kalibr, 6x Iskander-M, 109x Shahed/Decoy). 53 targets intercepted (6x Kh-101/55SM, 6x Kalibr, 1x Iskander-M, 40x Shahed). 53 decoy drones lost track without reported impacts.
Significant Interception Failure (Kyiv Oblast - UA AF Spokesperson Ihnat): Confirmed 5 out of 6 Iskander-M ballistic missiles launched towards Kyiv Oblast were not intercepted and impacted targets within the region.
Impacts & Damage (Updated):
Kyiv City/Oblast:
Casualties:1 Civilian Killed (Kyiv City), 5 Civilians Injured (3 in Kyiv city; 1 with burns in Fastivskyi district, Kyiv Oblast; 1 other unspecified - OMA/RBC-Ukraina/UGS).
Damage: Significant damage to non-residential infrastructure. Fires/destruction in Darnytskyi district buildings. Partial collapse (3rd-5th floors) and large fire at a 5-story business center in Obolonskyi district (damaging offices of Ukrainian/international media outlets, including Freedom TV channel - RU claim/Colonelcassad). Fires/damage in Solomianskyi district. Damage to a car wash/service station destroying/damaging 10 vehicles in Brovarskyi district. OGP investigating as a war crime.
Kupyansk (Kharkiv Oblast): KAB strike on 9-story residential building caused fire, structural damage, 2 civilians injured (Apr 6).
Other Regions: Russian sources claim strikes in Cherkasy (Uman airbase, Zolotonosha), Kharkiv (UMPK/Geran), Zaporizhzhia (MLRS/UMPK), Zhytomyr (Ozerne airbase), Dnipropetrovsk (Pavlohrad), Poltava (Oposhnia/Poltava). Zaporizhzhia OVA reported 449 RU strikes (past 24h) on 9 settlements, 1 house damaged, no casualties.
Russian Tactical Shift (UA AF Assessment - Spokesperson Ihnat): Russia has increased the proportion of ballistic missiles used since early 2024, likely due to their interception difficulty (requiring systems like Patriot). Russia continues modifying missiles and drones.
President Zelenskyy Statement Summary (Apr 6): Condemned escalating Russian air attacks, citing >1460 KABs, ~670 Shaheds, >30 missiles launched in the past week. Stated current pressure on Russia is insufficient.
Ukrainian Air Force Weekly Summary (Mar 31 - Apr 6 - Confirmed by UA AF):
Air Defence:481 air targets destroyed (incl. 6 Kh-101, 6 Kalibr, 1 Iskander-M, 2 Kh-59/69, 257 Shaheds, 106 recon UAVs, 103 other UAVs).
Aviation Sorties: Approx. 100 sorties conducted ( >50 fighter cover, ~30 strike/support); dozens of strikes hit RU CPs, logistics, personnel/equipment.
Casualties: Final figures: 19 KIA (incl. 9 children), 75 WIA (incl. 11 children; 4 children in serious/critical condition - ASTRA update). 37 remain hospitalized (Apr 4).
Mourning: National day of mourning observed (Apr 6). Kryvyi Rih mourning Apr 7-9. Residents continue placing flowers/toys at the attack site (playground).
Attribution/Narrative: UA maintains Iskander-M (cluster munition claim) strike caused casualties; Russian narratives blaming UA AD or claiming strike hit foreign officers actively countered. Retaliatory strikes by UA units confirmed.
Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Territory (RU Claims - Detailed):
RU MoD/Multiple Sources: Claimed 7 UA attacks on Russian energy infrastructure in the past 24 hours (Apr 5-6). Energy facilities reportedly damaged in Crimea (HV line), Bryansk (3 attacks: energy object, 2x HV lines), Rostov (HV line), and Voronezh (2 attacks: gas pipelines) Oblasts due to UA UAV strikes. Specific times/locations/impacts detailed. RU MoD asserts UA attacks on energy facilities have not stopped despite alleged agreement. Operativnyi ZSU disputes veracity/transparency of RU claims.
Bryansk Border Villages: Allegations of continuous UA strikes targeting civilians and homes (Dnevnik Desantnika).
II. Ground Combat Operations & Frontline Situation
Overall Intensity: Combat intensity remains HIGH. 178 combat engagements recorded by UGS in the 24 hours preceding Apr 6 morning report. Intense fighting particularly on Pokrovsk, Lyman, Toretsk, and Kursk/Sumy border axes.
Kursk/Sumy Border (Incl. Russian Territory):
High intensity. UA forces repelled 17 Russian attacks in Kursk Oblast (UGS, Apr 5-6).
RU CLAIM (Significant - Confirmed by RU MoD): RU MoD claims liberation of Basivka, Sumy Oblast (Apr 6). RU sources claim this expands the bridgehead on Ukrainian territory south of Novenkoye (Yunakivka direction) and nears the Yunakivka supply route for the UA Kursk grouping.
Russian Claims: Fighting continues for control of Guevo and Oleshnia (Kursk Obl.) with RU forces attempting advances (Dnevnik Desantnika). RU MoD claims strikes on multiple UA brigades near Gornal, Guyevo, Oleshnya, Basovka, etc., inflicting >170 casualties, destroying vehicles/UAV CPs/ammo depot in 24h.
Territorial Assessment (RU Source): Claims UA bridgehead in Kursk Oblast reduced to 95.8 km²; claims RU forces control 47.2 km² of adjacent Sumy Oblast.
Civilian Impact: TASS reports 731 residents evacuated from Kursk border areas since Mar 12.
RU Claimed Losses: RU MoD repeats claim of >72,320 cumulative UA personnel losses on Kursk direction (Apr 6). RU MoD claimed up to 65 UA losses in Belgorod direction (past 24h).
Belgorod Border: Heavy fighting near Dmitrovka/Popovka. RU claims nearing blockade of Demidovka. RU claims successful strikes (incl. Bradley IFV) near Demidovka.
Kharkiv Axis:1 Russian attack repelled near Kamyanka (UGS, Apr 5-6).
Kupyansk Axis:6 Russian attacks repelled near Zahryzove, Petropavlivka, towards Nova Kruhliakivka (UGS, Apr 5-6). Russian sources claim advances S of Kamianka and repelling UA counterattacks. RU MoD claimed up to 230 UA losses (past 24h).
Lyman Axis:High intensity. 26 Russian attacks repelled near Hrekivka, Nove, Katerynivka, towards Novomykhailivka, Torske, Zelena Dolyna (UGS, Apr 5-6). Russian sources claim advances W of Balka Zhuravka/Novoliubivka, towards Katerynivka, expanding control near Makiivka/Ivanivka/Nove. Geolocated destruction of UA PzH 2000 SPG confirmed.
Siversk Axis:5 Russian attacks repelled near Verkhnokamyanske, towards Ivano-Daryivka, Vyimka (UGS, Apr 5-6). RU MoD claimed up to 280 UA losses in Yug Group area (past 24h).
RU CLAIM (Significant): Russian sources (TASS) claim the Ukrainian grouping in the Zakhidnyi (Western) microdistrict of Chasiv Yar has been destroyed. Requires verification.
Toretsk Axis:High intensity. 20 Russian attacks repelled near Krymske, Dachne, Druzhba, Dyliivka, Toretsk, Leonidivka (UGS, Apr 5-6). Russian sources claim capture of Aleksandropol (Rozivka)/Panteleimonivka and fighting for Tarasivka/Zelene Pole.
Russian Claims: Tactical success claimed in Udachne; advancing in Lysovka (corroborated by RU map update); advancing towards Novoolexandrivka, W of Troitske, near Bohdanivka. RU MoD claimed defeat of UA 'Omega' unit, up to 430 UA losses (past 24h).
UA Activity: UA "Spartan" Brigade (NGU) reports ongoing effective defense and drone strikes.
Novopavlivsk / South Donetsk Axis: Moderate intensity. 8 Russian assaults repelled towards Rozlyv, Kostiantynopil (UGS, Apr 5-6).
Russian Claims (don_partizan/Colonelcassad - Updated): Advancing towards Bogatyr and Komar; fighting continues near Oleksiivka and Volne Pole/Vesele/Rozlyv. Expanded control claimed: 300m towards Kotlyarivka (Nadezhdynka area); 200m towards Bogatyr (Razliv area); 300m in Kostiantynopil area. Pressure on Bogatyr persists. Tactical success near Burlatske. RU MoD claimed over 130 UA losses (past 24h).
UA Activity:46th Separate Airmobile Brigade confirmed redeployed from Zaporizhzhia direction to Kurakhove sector; engaged in heavy fighting in Heorhiivka, Maksymilianivka, Hostre, Kurakhove defense (UA DShV). UA 44th Artillery Brigade reports successful strikes destroying RU Msta-B, D-30 howitzers, ammo depots, personnel (RBC-Ukraina video).
Orikhiv Axis (Zaporizhzhia): Moderate intensity. 4 Russian attacks repelled near Stepove, Mali Shcherbaky, Kamyanske (UGS, Apr 5-6).
Russian Claims: Capture of Lobkove; successes near Shcherbaky/Stepove; advancing near Kamyanske. Claimed destruction of 2 Starlink terminals and 1 repeater near Huliaipole.
UA Capabilities: Zaporizhzhia OVA details significant March aid deliveries to 86 front units: 2500+ drones, 100 EW systems, 61k+ remote mining components, vehicles, etc.
Prydniprovsky Axis (Kherson - Left Bank): Low ground assault intensity. 2 Russian attacks repelled (UGS, Apr 5-6). Ukrainian positions maintained. RU sources claim increased FAB strikes. RU MoD claimed over 65 UA losses (past 24h).
Other Combat Notes:
UA Unit Activity:UA 17th Tank Brigade actively engaging targets, including use of Grad MLRS (Vilkul video). UA Border Guard RUbPAK "Phoenix" (Pomsta Brigade) claims destruction of 6 RU tanks, AFVs, EW system over 2 weeks (Tsaplienko). UA 156th Separate Mechanized Brigade conducting training (tactics, medevac, building clearing - UGS photos).
Captured Equipment: RU source ("Zona SVO") displays photos of allegedly captured UA equipment, including 40mm HEDP grenades, comms wire, drone parts, and a "Mini Det Assembly" component (part# 13006677 / lot# SHK09M003-016).
III. Other Noteworthy Information
Hybrid Threats / Internal Security:
Report (The Guardian) alleges US-based neo-Nazi group "The Base" (leader Rinaldo Nazzaro residing in St. Petersburg) is paying individuals for terror attacks in Ukraine.
Poland-Belarus Border: Polish MoD reports intensifying situation with ~300 attempted illegal crossings on night of Apr 5. Migrants reportedly using increased aggression (stones, sticks, cutting fences). Assessed as pressure from Belarus/Russia.
Russian Capabilities & Issues:
Personnel/Morale: Case of wounded young RU soldier pressured to return to unit prematurely highlights potential issues with medical care, command practices, and morale.
Training: RU Vostok group assault units conducting tactical training noted.
Air Defence Issues: Confirmed failure to intercept 5 of 6 Iskander-M ballistic missiles targeting Kyiv Oblast (Apr 5-6).
Information Environment:
Dominant Russian narrative focuses on liberation of Basivka (Sumy Oblast), claimed destruction of UA group in Chasiv Yar, continued advances on multiple axes, hitting military targets (arty base/UAV production), and high UA losses (cumulative claims >72,320 on Kursk front).
Ukrainian narrative focuses on repelling most attacks, successful drone/artillery strikes (44th Arty Bde, Phoenix RUbPAK), highlighting RU strikes on civilian infrastructure (Kyiv business center, Kryvyi Rih playground), high RU air asset losses (weekly summary), and return of citizens from occupation.
Humanitarian: Ukrainian Ombudsman reports return of 45 Ukrainians from occupied territories, Russia, and Belarus, citing rights restrictions and risks under occupation. Includes specific case of family whose father was allegedly abducted, tortured, and killed.
International: Potential US-Russia contacts next week claimed by Russian negotiator Dmitriev. Germany plans NATO exercise "Red Storm Bravo" (Sep 2025). Reports of potential major US Army personnel cuts persist.
